When to visit Machu Picchu

November 16, 2013

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular destinations in South America. People from all over the planet flock to this ancient Incan citadel located high in the Andes, and there is no doubt that this incredible place lives up to its lofty expectations.

We are often asked at Tango Tours when is the best time to visit this historic location. Before any visit to Machu Picchu you should make sure you are physically prepared, the Inca Trail is around 45 km long and traverses several types of Andean terrain. Even if you are taking the leisurely option of getting the train, it is always good to plan ahead for the weather and the terrain to make the most of your time.

Peru, like all countries in South America, boasts a varied climate, so predicting when to visit the country really depends on taste, or exactly where you may be going. But in terms of Machu Picchu itself, it is (generally!) predictable. There are no actual restrictions to visiting, as the site is open 7 days a week, for 52 weeks of the year, even including holidays.

Take a look below at our month by month guide and rating and decide when you think will be the perfect time for you to visit! Once you've decided - get it touch and we can do the rest!

January (2 out of 5)

Although it is possible to head to Machu Picchu in January we would advise against it. This area of the Andean range is subject to rains during this month. This can be torrential and sometimes dangerous.

February (1 out of 5)

The actual Machu Picchu site is open every day of the year, but getting to the site in February is tough. This is the month when the Inca Trail itself is closed for yearly maintenance. There are other ways to get to the lost city, but none as ideal as the Inca Trail. However, taking the train in February wouldn't be a problem.

March (2 out of 5)

Much like January, the site is subject to torrential rains in March, making the Inca Trail a difficult and floods and landslides possible. However crowds are much fewer at this time!

April, May (4 out of 5)

These are 'shoulder season' months and offer pleasant weather, with warm to cool days and mild evenings. April is the end of the Peruvian summer so it is possible to get some excessively hot days too.

June, July, August (5 out of 5)

These months are during the Peruvian winter and nights can get a little nippy, but the huge upside is that daytime temperatures tend to be mostly comfortable and not too humid. The rain is rare during these months, therefore the best time to visit.

The only downside to taking a trip to Machu Picchu during June, July, August, or September is that these are the peak months, thousands of tourists flood the area and it can get very busy. The Inca Trail is limited to around 200 trekkers per day, so sometimes finding a spot on the route is hard. At Tango Tours we can arrange for you to complete the trail any time of the year!

September and October (4 out of 5)

The same as April and May: These are 'shoulder season' months and offer pleasant weather, with warm to cool days and mild evenings.

November, December (2 out of 5)

Warm with a lot of rain - this could be anything from a downpour to drizzle and the weather is very warm. The upside is fewer tourists and also orchids love rain! This is the ideal time to see blooming season.

For more information on Machu Picchu and to plan your trip of a lifetime to Peru today, check out our itineraries for inspiration and get in touch!